Bogdan Guskov vows to return stronger after loss to Ankalaev

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Uzbekistan's Bogdan Guskov reacts during his men's light heavyweight fight against Russia's Magomed Ankalaev in the UFC Fight Night event at Etihad Arena in Abu Dhabi on July 25, 2026. (Photo by Fadel SENNA / AFP via Getty Images) | AFP via Getty Images Bogdan Guskov says he’ll come back stronger from a tough night at the office in his first UFC main event. Guskov faced former light heavyweight champion Magomed Ankalaev in the headliner of Saturday’s UFC Abu Dhabi event. Ankalaev got a fifth-round TKO stoppage in the bout. Guskov wasn’t competitive in the contest, and Ankalaev wasn’t able to fully take advantage until the latter rounds before eventually getting the fight to the ground and getting the stoppage. On Monday, Guskov delivered his first comments about his performance and the fight on Twitter. I’m sorry to everyone who believed in me. That night wasn’t my night, but I’m grateful for everyone who stood behind me and supported me through this journey. Thank you for all the kind words and messages. I’ll learn from this, come back stronger. I’m not done yet. 🇺🇿🔥🦁 — Bogdan “Hitman” Guskov (@BogdanGuskov) July 27, 2026 “I’m sorry to everyone who believed in me,” Guskov wrote. “That night wasn’t my night, but I’m grateful for everyone who stood behind me and supported me through this journey. Thank you for all the kind words and messages. I’ll learn from this, come back stronger. I’m not done yet.” Guskov entered the bout on a five-fight unbeaten streak. “Hitman” was originally slated to face Jan Blachowicz in a rematch at this Saturday’s UFC Belgrade event after their first meeting at December’s UFC 323 card was scored a draw. Guskov couldn’t pass up the opportunity to face Ankalaev, and suffered his second UFC loss in seven octagon appearances.

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Bogdan Guskov apologizes for his performance at UFC Fight Night 282.

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Bogdan Guskov has addressed his loss to Magomed Ankalaev.